Last Days

Back in Tokyo for the last few days of this one-in-a-lifetime experience.  Went to Akihabara, the electronics/manga/geek district, hit up a shrine near Shibuya, and said sayonara to my new close friends.  Tomorrow, I get on a plane to Chicago, and arrive a few hours before I left.

Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa

Only a quick stay here, but damn.  Beachside hotel, outdoor pool, traditional Japanese dinner, hot springs, the works.  Then back to Tokyo!

Home Stay in Okinawa

Stayed with a host family for a day and a half for the true immersion experience.  They took me to the Okinawa Peace Memorial & Shiru Castle, and introduced me to some killer green tea.  Young Kangi and I managed to bond despite the fact that we spoke about ten words of each other’s language. 

Chuko Distillery

A visit to Chuko Distillery, makers of awamori.  Yes, there was a free sample (or two) at the end of the tour.

Okinawa, Days Three and Four

The junior high wouldn’t allow too many photos, but high school didn’t seem to have a problem.  This visit shattered some perceptions about Japanese schools.  While the students were mostly well-behaved and teachers admit to very few discipline problems, they were very low-tech … and decidedly laid back, though that describes Okinawa in general.  Also without air conditioning, and it’s in the 90s and humid here.  Sorry, Illinois.

Okinawa, Day Two

Pictures from Tomigusuku City Iraha Elementary School.  Video of me dancing with pom-poms is unavailable at this time.

Okinawa, Day One

Left behind the lights and noise of Tokyo for a beach vacation professional development opportunity in Okinawa…

The Daibutsu in Kamakura

Took a train about an hour south to Kamakura, where we hiked to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), stopping at a few temples and shrines along the way…

The Tsukiji Fish Market

Woke up at 4:30am today to see the fish auction.  Carts and bikes whizzing everywhere, no easy walking path through the mayhem, but well worth it.   I think my pants are soaked with eel blood.

I Ate Raw Horse Meat Tonight

Kinda bland, like raw beef with less flavor, and a lot tougher to chew.  Fourteen hours later and I’m still alive, so that’s promising.